On January 14, 2024, the first Xuwen Marathon kicked off in Xuwen, known as the "Pineapple Sea", as 5000 runners from across the country gathered at the southernmost tip of the Chinese mainland. The event allowed participants to experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Xuwen through their strides.
Before the race, prominent figures from the sports world, including CBA champion Yi Jianlian, CBA Guangdong Southern Tigers's head coach Du Feng, gymnastics Olympic champions Li Shanshan and Yang Yilin, diving Olympic champion Xie Siyi, and local sports star and Asian Games champion Chen Mingling, offered encouragement through video messages. The president of the Finland Chamber of Commerce also recorded a video to send blessings to the event. On the race day, Beijing Olympic champion and four-time Grand Slam winner He Chong, born in Zhanjiang, was present to support and warm up the participants.
The Xuwen Marathon attracted participants from all over the country, including those from HKSAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan Province, and overseas. Particularly noteworthy was the enthusiastic participation of athletes from across the Qiongzhou Strait, symbolizing the unity of Zhanjiang and Hainan.
Xuwen, historically a hub of commerce, boasts the starting point of the Han Dynasty's maritime Silk Road at the ancient port of Xuwen. Additionally, it hosts the largest, most diverse, and well-preserved national-level shallow coral reef nature reserve on the Chinese mainland. With a reputation as the "Largest Pineapples Cultivation County in China", Xuwen has a century-long history of pineapple cultivation.
The marathon route was meticulously planned to showcase pastoral landscapes, natural wonders, cultural elements, modern technology, and optimal track conditions. The 42.195-kilometer route unfolded like a subtropical ecological agricultural painting, starting from the pineapple trading market, passing through the renowned "Pineapple Sea" and offering breathtaking views of colorful farmlands, white windmill clusters, and rainbow roads.
The event seamlessly incorporated Xuwen's beautiful landscapes and unique cultural elements. Through marathon expos, carnivals, intangible cultural heritage and folk performances, local cuisine, and thoughtful services, it highlighted the charm of Xuwen as a small city with clear water, fresh air, delicious food, hospitality, and beautiful scenery. Participants received abundant and locally distinctive race supplies, including traditional event materials, commemorative medals, and regional souvenirs.
Along the route, various cultural performances added a vibrant touch, with over 20 locations featuring intangible cultural heritage and folk displays enhancing the scenic journey for marathon participants. The warm and welcoming people of Xuwen continuously cheered for the runners, fueling their spirits and passion. At the marathon and half-marathon finish line, the organizing committee specially prepared Xuwen's signature lamb porridge, ginger tea, pineapple fried rice, and other delicacies as a treat for the participants.
